Ambitious net-zero plans are driving demand for district energy systems (DESs). Many campuses and municipalities are now introducing district heating and cooling solutions and converting older, less energy-efficient steam systems to more sustainable hot water systems, reflecting the shift toward greener infrastructure.
These systems not only optimize energy use but also contribute significantly to reducing environmental impacts. Keep reading to explore what district energy systems are, their key components, the benefits they offer, and how to get started with implementing such a system.
Understanding District Energy Systems
A DES is a centralized system that produces thermal energy and distributes it through insulated pipes to multiple buildings within a district. This thermal energy is used for heating, cooling, or hot water, depending on the needs of the connected buildings. Energy is typically generated from a central plant, which may use a variety of energy sources, including natural gas, biomass, geothermal, or waste heat. When water is used as the medium to transfer heat, the system is referred to as a hydronic system. In a DES, the central plant supplies both hot and chilled water into the system through the supply lines.
Benefits of DES and How They Help Reduce Environmental Impacts
DESs allow for more streamlined and efficient processes. By providing heating and cooling across a network, there is no need for each building to have its own individual boiler and chiller. DESs provide many benefits over using individual boilers and chillers, including improved energy efficiency, enhanced environmental protection, fuel flexibility, ease of operation and maintenance, improved system reliability, comfort and convenience for customers, decreased life cycle and building capital costs, and enhanced architectural design flexibility.
- Energy Efficiency
By centralizing energy production, DES can achieve higher efficiency levels compared to standalone building systems. The centralized nature of DESs allows for the optimization of fuel use, reduction of energy losses, and better management of energy supply and demand. - Cost Savings
Over time, DES efficiency translates into cost savings for both operators and users. The initial investment in a DES might be significant, but the long-term operational savings and the reduction in energy bills make it a financially viable option. - Environmental Impact
DESs contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by using energy more efficiently and by potentially integrating renewable energy sources. This is particularly important as businesses and governments strive to meet emissions reduction targets.
Pipe Systems for District Heating
A critical component of any DES is the pipe network that distributes thermal energy. The choice of pipe systems can significantly impact efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. DES typically use pre-insulated pipes, which can either be rigid or flexible. Modern systems often use a combination of both types of piping. Flexible pipes can be installed in shallow, narrow trenches, saving installation time and costs compared to the wider and deeper trenches required for rigid pipe. In systems that combine the two types of piping, rigid pipe is usually used for large trunk lines, while flexible pipe is used for smaller branch lines that connect into buildings or wherever flexible piping will save on installation time.
Pre-insulated Flexible Pipe Systems
Flexible pipe systems are used in district heating due to their ease of installation and adaptability to complex urban environments. These pipes can be routed around obstacles, making them ideal for retrofitting in established urban areas. Additionally, flexible pipes have proven durability and resistance to thermal expansion and contraction, which enhances the longevity of the system.
Rigid Pipe Systems
While flexible pipes offer many advantages, rigid pipe systems are more commonly used, particularly in large developments or where long, straight runs of piping are required. They provide excellent structural integrity and are typically more cost-effective in terms of material costs. However, their installation requires careful planning and could be more labor-intensive, especially in congested areas which results in a higher overall installed cost.
DES Valves & Piping Solutions from Armour Valve
Valves control the flow of thermal energy in district energy systems, and their reliability and efficiency are paramount to the system’s overall performance. Armour Valve offers several solutions for district energy systems for both valves and piping. Three of our main product lines are highlighted below.
Brugg pre-insulated piping is used as the main trunk and distribution lines in the system, which can help minimize installation time and disruption, as demonstrated in this case study on connecting a municipal building to an existing district heating system.
Boehmer ball valves including pre-insulated ball valves, used in buried hot water service and welded directly into the pipeline during installation at the site, and uninsulated valves, used in vaults, chilled water lines, building entry points and energy transfer stations (ETSs), and in the plant.
The Flow Control Industries (FCI) DeltaPValve is used on heat exchangers and air handlers throughout the system to maximize the efficiency of HVAC systems and regulate the DES, providing precision temperature control.
Brugg Pipes
Brugg Pipes is a full-service manufacturer of pre-insulated flexible and rigid pipe systems. Armour Valve supplies Brugg’s unique products to the district energy market, including FLEXWELLᵀᴹ, which is the only flexible pipe that can be used in horizontal directional drilling (HDD) applications.
Boehmer District Energy Ball Valve
‘Ball valves are used for isolation throughout district energy hot and chilled water systems. The Boehmer DE ball valve is a key component in many district heating plants and in the pre-insulated buried pipe systems due to its robustness and ability to provide tight shut-off, even under high pressure and temperature conditions. The forged steel material and construction withstand the external compressive forces in buried applications. This makes it an ideal choice for maintaining the integrity of the system and ensuring consistent energy delivery. These ball valves are designed to last, ensuring years of corrosion-free and maintenance-free operation.
FCI Delta P Valves
Another critical valve used in district heating systems is the FCI Delta P Valve. FCI is the inventor of the pressure-independent control (PIC) valve, and the DeltaPValve was the first PIC valve on the market. PIC valves are used to control the flow of water through heat exchanger coils and air handling units (AHUs) within a building’s hydronic HVAC system. This is done without the use of balancing valves and other equipment, thereby reducing installation and maintenance costs.
With proven, guaranteed performance controlling differential pressure, the DeltaPValve helps maintain balance within the system, preventing energy loss and ensuring that all connected buildings receive adequate heating or cooling. Its use in DESs is particularly beneficial in complex networks where maintaining consistent pressure is essential for system stability and temperature control throughout. Explore how the DeltaPValve brought increased capacity and energy savings to an emergency medical center with chiller issues on our blog.
FCI’s DeltaP SmartValve complements the DeltaPValve and converts it into a smart valve that connects and provides accurate system readings to the central console.
Getting Started with District Energy Systems
Implementing a DES involves several critical steps that ensure the system is designed and operated efficiently. Before embarking on the development of a DES, it is essential to conduct a feasibility study. This study assesses the potential for implementing a DES, accounting for factors such as energy demand, available energy sources, and economic viability.
Once feasibility is established, the next step is the design and engineering phase. This involves detailed planning of the system layout, including the placement of the central plant, pipe network, and associated infrastructure. Key considerations include the selection of appropriate pipe systems and valves to ensure that the system meets the district’s specific needs.
Additionally, a DES must comply with various regulatory requirements, including environmental standards and safety regulations. It’s crucial to engage with regulatory bodies early in the planning process to ensure that the system design meets all necessary criteria and to avoid delays during construction.
How Armour Valve Can Support Your District Energy Needs
District energy systems offer a powerful solution for providing heating and cooling with reduced energy costs, improved efficiency, and minimal environmental impact. By understanding the key components and steps involved in implementing a DES, organizations and municipalities can take advantage of these benefits.
If you are considering a district energy system for your community or organization, schedule a consultation with our District Energy Market Manager to explore our district energy system solutions and discuss your specific application needs.
